15 Days Journey to China Culture&Nature

• Beijing Arrival
• 4+stars Hotel
• None

Upon your arrival at Beijing Airport or Railway Station, your tour guide and car driver will be on time to meet you at the lobby and escort you to the hotel where you are staying, assisting you to check in easily.

You are free to explore Beijing and have an in-depth experience of the Beijing people's way of life.

Recommend for Free Time

Experience the charm of traditional Chinese culture.
Watching Peking Opera Show, Acrobatic Show or Kung fu Show(Performances are usually from 19:15 to 20:15)

• Tian'anmen Square - Forbidden City - Jingshan Park - Summer Palace
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, our guide will meet you up at the hotel lobby to start today's journey.

First, we will reach the Tian'anmen Square. Standing in the North Square, you can look up at the Tian'anmen Tower, where Chairman Mao proclaimed the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Passing through Tian'anmen Square, you will step into the Forbidden City, a magnificent palace complex that was once home to 24 emperors of the Ming and Qing dynasties.

Then we will make a short trip to Jingshan Park, where we will enjoy the entire Forbidden City from the Watchtower at the top of the hill.

In the afternoon, we will drive to the Summer Palace, the largest and best-preserved royal garden in China. Here, you can stroll among the ancient pavilions, mansions and temples, enjoying the beauty of small bridges and winding corridors.

Recommend for Activities

You can choose foot massage, houhai night bars or Sanlitun bar street at night.

• Great Wall - Bird's Nest/Water Cube
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive about 70 kilometers to the Mutianyu section of the world-famous Great Wall. It is well-preserved and relatively unvisited and impresses visitors with its rich vegetation and magnificent natural scenery.

You will take an easy cable car ride up the Great Wall. Then Climbing up to the towering towers overlooking the Great Wall as it winds along the ridge will surely keep you coming back for more. At the end of the Great Wall tour, we will take the cable car down the mountain.
(Note: If you are physically fit, you may also choose to hike up and down).

Afterwards, we will return to Beijing, stopping on the way to visit the Bird's Nest and the Water Cube from the outside in the Olympic Village.

Recommend for Dinner

After a full day of sightseeing, you can plan for the Peking duck dinner at Quanjude.

• Temple of Heaven - Hutongs - Xi'an
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

We will visit the Temple of Heaven, a sacred site used in ancient times to worship the heavens and pray for a good harvest. Nowadays, it has become a lively place where locals perform traditional activities such as Tai Chi, dancing, kite flying and calligraphy.

Then we will visit the Hutongs(old alleyways) and take a rickshaw ride through Beijing's hutongs. For lunch you will learn to make and eat dumplings in the hutongs for an in-depth experience Beijing local lifestyle.

After lunch, we will go to the railway station for the high speed train(about 5hrs) to Xi'an. Our Xi'an guide will meet you at Xi'an North Railway Station and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is free for you to explore this charming ancient capital.

• Terracotta Warriors and Horses - Da Ci'en Temple - Big Wild Goose Pagoda - Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, we will pick you up from the hotel and drive about 40 kilometers to the world-famous Terracotta Warriors and Horses. These Terracotta Warriors were built by China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang. You will also have the opportunity to experience traditional culture by making a miniature pottery figurine.

After lunch, we will return to downtown Xi'an and visit the Da Ci'en Temple. This temple was a famous translation site for Buddhist scriptures during the Tang Dynasty. If you are interested in Big Wild Goose Pagoda, you can climb it (extra charge applies) for a great view of the city. Then you can also try on the Chinese traditional dress for free to experience the solemnity and elegance of ancient China.

As night falls, we will take you to Grand Tang Dynasty Ever Bright City. This is a great place to enjoy the charming night view where you can reminisce the prosperity and splendor of the Tang Dynasty.

• Xi'an Museum - Small Wild Goose Pagoda - Ancient City Wall - Muslim Quarter - Chengdu
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning we will visit Xi'an Museum and Small Wild Goose Pagoda learn learn about the profound historical and cultural heritage of Xi'an.

In the afternoon, we will go to the Ancient City Wall, which is the largest and best-preserved ancient city wall in China. You can rent a bicycle (extra charge applies) for a leisurely ride on the ancient city wall and enjoy the panoramic view of Xi'an.

Then we will also take you to visit the bustling Muslim Quarter to taste the authentic local snacks and experience the different cultural atmosphere.

Finally, you will take the train to Chengdu, where your guide and driver will be waiting for you at the airport to transfer you to your hotel for check-in.

• Sanxingdui Ruins - Chengdu People's Park - Jinli Street
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, you will visit the Sanxingdui Ruins, which is dubbed as one of the world's greatest archeological discoveries of the 20th century.

In the afternoon, you will step into Chengdu People's Park to experience the unique leisure and ease of this city. The relaxation of napping, the clash of mahjong, the joy of natural ear cleaning.

In the evening, you will embark on Jinli Street to savor authentic snacks and experience the bustle and charm of the ancient street.

• Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu - Manjushri Monastery - Shangri-La
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, you will be picked up by your guide and transferred to the Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Chengdu. Here is the cozy home of more than a hundred of pandas of different ages.You can observe pandas up close and learn facts about pandas.

Next, you will be led to Manjushri Monastery, a Buddhist temple in the center of Chengdu, a quiet place in the midst of the city's hustle and bustle. Here, you can feel an atmosphere of devotion and tranquility, as if time has frozen in this moment. Strolling along the paths of Manjushri Monastery, you can enjoy the jewels of Buddhist art and feel the peace and tranquility that comes from within. Manjushri Fang, a small market next to the monastery, offers a great place to experience the local market and lifestyle. Here you can take a leisurely stroll, savor a variety of authentic snacks, admire the wide array of handicrafts, and feel the warmth and vitality of the Chengdu people.

In the evening, you will take a flight to Shangri-La, where our guide and driver will wait for you at the airport and take you to your hotel for check-in.

• Songzanlin Temple - Potatso National Park - Visit to a Tibetan Family
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will visit Songzanlin Temple, which is only 7 kilometers away from the city. This magnificent temple is known as the "Little Potala Palace" because it is modeled after the architectural style of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, Tibet. Walking up 147 steps, you will reach the top of the temple. Here you can visit the three main Lama Temple buildings in a clockwise direction. Deeply experiencing the serenity and solemnity of Tibetan Buddhism, this will surely be an unforgettable journey.

If you have enough time, you can also take a quiet walk along the shores of Lake Ramyangtso. The clear water of the lake reflects the panoramic view of Songzanlin Temple, which is like a beautiful painting unfolding in front of your eyes.

Next, we will drive about 27 kilometers to Potatso National Park. Covering an area of 1,300 square kilometers, this is China's first national park that meets the standards of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Strolling through the lush forests and along the trestle paths, you will be mesmerized by this pristine beauty.

In addition, the park also provides a wealth of hiking options, allowing you to explore this natural secret. (Tips: The altitude of Potatso Park is between 3500m-4150m, please avoid strenuous exercise to avoid plateau reaction. In addition, some areas may be temporarily closed due to environmental protection needs, please understand.)

Finally, you will visit a local Tibetan family. You will experience the hospitality of the Tibetan people and taste the authentic Tibetan snacks and buttered tea. If you are interested in traditional Tibetan drinks, you can also learn the process of making buttered tea with the local people and experience the unique charm of Tibetan culture with your own hands.

• Dukezong Old Town - Guishan Mountain Park - Tiger Leaping Gorge - The First Bay of Yangtze River
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

First, you will explore the old town of Dukezong. With a history of over 1,300 years, this ancient city is the largest and best-preserved Tibetan community in China. Climbing to the top of Guishan Mountain Park, you'll overlook the snow-capped mountains that surround the area and the sprawling Tibetan residential communities, and feel the serenity and mystery emanating from this pure land. Don't forget to join the tourists as they turn the world's largest meridian wheel clockwise to pray for peace and happiness for themselves and their families.

Then, we will head to the world-class natural landscape - Tiger Leaping Gorge. This is one of the deepest and most spectacular river gorges in the world and part of the UNESCO World Heritage Yunnan Three Parallels Reserve. Sandwiched by the Yulong Snow Mountain at 5,596 meters in the south and the Haba Snow Mountain at 5,396 meters in the north, the gorge is 17 kilometers long. Today, we will visit the most mature part of it, the Upper Tiger Leaping Gorge. Walking along the trestle, you will need to descend about 1,000 steps, but each step will bring you a magnificent view of the gorge and the shock of the tumbling river.

(Travel Tip: Tiger Leaping Gorge is suitable for most travelers with good physical strength. To ensure a comfortable journey, it is recommended that you wear comfortable hiking shoes.)

Next, you will visit The First Bend of Yangtze River, which is a magnificent display of the Jinsha River - the upper reaches of the Yangtze River.

In the evening, you will check in Lijiang and have a good rest for tomorrow's journey.

• Yuhu Village - Baisha Village - Shuhe Ancient Town - Dongba Culture Museum
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, you will head to Yuhu Village, a peaceful village nestled in the north of Lijiang, surrounded by natural beauty. It has a unique Naxi ethnic minority flavor, with ancient dwellings and clear lakes, as if a peaceful idyllic painting. Here, you can feel the tranquility and comfort away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Next, you will head to Baisha Village. This is an ancient Naxi village with a long history, preserving a great deal of traditional culture and architectural styles of the Naxi ethnic minority. Here, you can gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of this ethnic group and feel its unique charm.

Afterwards, you will go to Shuhe Ancient Town. In Shuhe Ancient Town, you can stroll through the ancient streets and admire the exquisite ancient buildings and unique art. In addition, you can also taste the authentic food and feel the unique charm of Naxi ethnic minority.

Finally, you will visit the Dongba Culture Museum. There is a large collection of Dongba cultural relics and ancient books here, demonstrating the unique charm and profound heritage of Dongba culture. Here you will have a deeper understanding of the history and culture of the Naxi ethnic minority and feel the unique charm of this ancient nation.

• the Old Town of Lijiang - Zhoucheng - Xizhou Old Town
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will stroll through the charming Old Town of Lijiang. Founded in the Ming Dynasty, this Naxi enthnic ancient city has remained intact for 800 years and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.

In the Old Town of Lijiang, we will take you to visit the Mufu Palace, which is known as the "Forbidden City of the South", a magnificent Naxi ethnic palace that showcases the glorious history and culture of the Naxi ethnic people. Stroll through the alleys of the ancient city, cross the old bridges, browse the specialty stores and bars, and finally arrive at the Sifang Street Square, where tourists and Naxi ethnic people gather, and the bustling atmosphere makes people forget to come back.

Next, we head to Zhoucheng, the home of tie-dyeing techniques. You will visit a local indigo workshop to witness the making of tie-dye and experience the charm of this ancient technique.

Then, you will step into the charming Xizhou Old Town, which is the real life scene of the Bai ethnic minority people. This is a treasure of the Bai ethnic architectural art, with exquisite sculptures, paintings, pointed eaves and wall screens showing the chicness and elegance of the Bai ethnic residences.

In the evening, you will check in at Dali and get a good night's rest for tomorrow's journey.

• Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple - Lake Erhai - Dali Old Town
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

After breakfast, you will proceed to the Three Pagodas of Chongsheng Temple, the symbol of Dali. These three pagodas stood on the land of Nanzhao Kingdom in the 10th century, and the big pagoda and the small pagoda form a harmonious and symmetrical triangle. Here, you will have the opportunity to feel the solemnity and gravity of these ancient pagodas up close and listen to the history and stories behind them. Meanwhile, you can also visit Chongsheng Temple, the royal temple of Dali, and capture a stunning moment of the Three Pagodas and their reflections.

Afterwards, you will head to the famous Lake Erhai. You can choose to take a sightseeing bus and enjoy the lakes and mountains along the way with ease; or you can choose to take a boat tour and feel the lake breeze as you swing in the lake; of course, if you love sports, you can also try to ride a bicycle around the lake and enjoy the scenery while riding. Please inform your travel consultant of your choices when booking so that we can arrange suitable activities and prices for you.

1) Choose the Lake Erhai sightseeing bus tour, which costs RMB 50 per person for about an hour. The sightseeing road around the lake shoreline and the 27.5-kilometer-long ecological corridor provide you with a comfortable and mobile perspective. On the mini-bus, you can enjoy the calm surface of the lake, the fresh air and the breeze on your face, bringing you peace and comfort.
2) If you want to immerse yourself even more in the beauty of the Lake Erhai, you can opt for a boat trip, which lasts about 2 to 3 hours and costs from RMB 145 per person. On the cruise, you will be able to see the green Cangshan Mountains and the Three Pagodas from afar, and at the same time get close to the birds and seagulls flying on the lake, experiencing the vitality and vigor of nature.
3) Of course, if you love sports and are physically fit, then riding along the Lake Erhai will be another flavor. The two-hour bike ride, which costs about RMB 50 per person, will bring you closer to the scenery and more exciting experience. During the ride, you can stop as often as you like to admire the scenery and enjoy the tranquility and freedom that is uniquely yours.

Afterwards, you will step into Dali Old Town, the former ancient capital of Nanzhao and Dali Kingdom. Strolling along these historic streets, you will be immersed in a leisurely atmosphere, only to see weeping willows dancing gently and flowers of various colors blooming brilliantly in the sunshine.

We will take you to the Drum Tower to admire the iconic Wuhua Pagoda, a witness to the history of the ancient city. Next, we'll explore Honglongjing, where ancient dwellings meet modern bars. Beside the clear water stream, you can feel a different kind of tranquility and beauty.

Continuing on, we will stroll along Renmin Road, a busy street lined with bustling stores filled with Yunnan's specialties and handicrafts. In addition, you will encounter the only Christian church in the old city, a unique blend of Chinese and Western cultures.

While you are immersed in the ancient charm of the old city, you can also stroll down the famous Foreigner Street. This exotic, busy street is lined with boutiques and vintage coffee shops. Here you can enjoy your time and feel like you've traveled back in time to experience the history and sentimentality of the area.

Recommend for Activity

You can learn to make Dali's specialty flower cake. Famous for its unique shape and exquisite patterns, the essence of this traditional pastry lies in the thin, crispy pastry in the center and the floral, richly scented filling. After you finish making them, you can even take home a few copies as a wonderful reminder of Dali culture.

• Yunnan Nationalities Museum - Xishan Mountain
• 4+stars Hotel
• Breakfast

In the morning, you will take the train to Kunming. We will take you to visit Yunnan Nationalities Museum, which is regarded as the largest ethnic minority museum in all of Asia. The museum houses more than 20,000 pieces of precious cultural relics, including beautiful costumes, unique ethnic festivals, scenes of daily life, exquisite musical instruments, and splendid cultural texts of each ethnic group. You will be immersed in this colorful sea of ethnic cultures and experience the essence of Yunnan culture in depth!

Next, you will visit Xishan Mountain, known as the "Sleeping Beauty Mountain", which is elegantly nestled next to Lake Dian, known as the "Pearl of the Plateau". Strolling through this lush forested mountain park, you will be captivated by its tranquillity and beauty.

One thing you can't miss on this trip is the magical Longmen. Standing on the city wall, you can feel the heaviness of history and the precipitation of years. At the same time, you will be struck by the serene Lake Dian and the panoramic view of Kunming City, which are in front of your eyes as if they were a magnificent painting.

If you are interested, we also recommend you to visit Huating Temple and Taihua Temple. Both of these temples are included in the admission fee, and not only do they have a long history and deep cultural heritage, but they also give you a sense of inner peace and tranquility.

As the sun sets in the west, you will end this rewarding and emotional trip to the Xishan Mountain. Get in the car and drive towards the direction of the hotel.

• Stone Forest - Cuihu Park - Departure
• None
• Breakfast

After breakfast, we will drive to the Stone Forest, known as the "essence of the world's karst landscapes". Listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, the spectacular stone peaks covering 12 square kilometres of land are a breathtaking sight to behold. Taking a sightseeing bus, we will go deep into the Boulder Forest Scenic Area, as if entering a labyrinth of giant boulders.

Then, we will continue by bus to the Little Stone Forest. Here you will have the opportunity to see the iconic stone "Ashima" up close. This realistic boulder looks like a graceful young lady standing quietly in the wilderness.

Next, you can take a leisurely walk to Kunming Cuihu Park. Known for its stunning lakes, quaint pavilions, winding corridors and flourishing gardens, this park is an integral part of Kunming citizens' daily lives. This is especially true from November to March, when black-headed gulls from Siberia arrive as promised, adding life and vitality to this lake. During your relaxing walk, you can also interact with these lovely and vibrant creatures and experience a harmonious coexistence with nature.

This is the end of our journey. We will provide you with excellent service and a comfortable travel experience. As you leave, we hope you will take away with you your deep affection and fond memories of this land, and we look forward to seeing you again.